coffee + cre8tive { july 28, '06 }

Nothing is quite as inspirational to me than textiles. I could live in a fabric store. Not the typical chain fabric store, the massive stores that are often found in the city with bolts upon bolts of silk dupioni, chenille, velvet, poplin... My local fave is Zimmans (Lynn + Hudson, MA).I've been shopping there since I was a teenager, when we first relocated to Boston. My mother would tote me along, hunting for the next lucky textile that would soon experience the magic of her hands at the Singer, transforming into a window treatment to envy, tablecloths, placemats, pillows, bedskirts, the possibilities were endless. I sharply recall hours spent rummaging through the discount floor in Zimmans' basement, and so many years later, I still walk through the doors feeling her creative touch by my side on days when she's unable to accompany me.

What is the one thing that you find yourself going back to again and again when you're looking for creative inspiration when it comes to sprucing up your space? Do you have something that you depend on for 'quick' changes? Please comment below and share them with us all!

I'll back in a bit with fresh finds, a room renovation ala Country Living, a review of Amy Butler's InStitches, a reader question, and more! Happy Friday!